2012 Honda CR-Z RZ by Mugen review and pictures

In case you are one of the Honda enthusiasts who was expecting to a different CR-Z, please know that Mugen comes to the rescue and transforms it. During this last year, the carmaker offered a lot of concepts representing a faster Honda CR-Z, but now, time has come to see a final production version, which we are sure you will enjoy. Its official name is the Honda CR-Z Mugen RZ and it will be built as a limited edition. Only the Japanese marker will have the opportunity to get it and sales will begin on the 26th of next month. The price remains in the dark for now. Under the hood, the new Honda CR-Z Mugen RZ features a 1.5-liter i-VTEC force fed engine, which is a modified version of the IMA Hybrid power plant capable of producing 154 horsepower and 185 Nm of torque. There is also an electric motor that also offers some extra 20 horsepower and 78 Nm of torque. In the end, the combined output reaches 174 horsepower.

The pre-facelift version only delivers 122 horsepower. We do not know yet the acceleration figures, but the concept version presented, with the same output was capable of accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in 6.1 seconds. This means 3.0 seconds faster than the 122 horsepower Honda CR-Z. Together with the engine upgrade, the engineers have also offered a new suspension and brake system, a new exhaust system and 17-inch wheels covered in 205 / 45 R17 Dunlop Direzza ZZII performance tires, to transfer to the power to the road. In terms of styling, the new model received a new front grille trimmed in carbon fiber, a big rear wing, a new rear apron with a diffuser, larger vents on both corners and also a restyling front bumper. On the inside we can see an extra instrument gauge above the center console, a special manual gear shifter lever, a numbered plaque on the dashboard, carbon trim and so on.